A single weak password can be the entry point for a devastating data breach. A password policy is a set of rules that minimizes this risk by encouraging employees to use strong passwords and protect them.
Key Components of a Strong Password Policy- Length Requirement: This is the most important factor. Require a minimum password length of at least 12 characters. Longer is always better.
- Complexity Requirements: Require the use of a mix of character types, such as:
- Uppercase letters (A-Z)
- Lowercase letters (a-z)
- Numbers (0-9)
- Symbols (!, @, #, $, etc.)
- Password History and Reuse: Prevent employees from reusing their last 5 or 10 passwords.
- Regular Expiration: Require employees to change their passwords every 90 days.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This is crucial. Require MFA (like a code from a mobile app) in addition to a password. It's one of the most effective security measures you can implement.
Enforcement
- Uppercase letters (A-Z)
- Lowercase letters (a-z)
- Numbers (0-9)
- Symbols (!, @, #, $, etc.)
The best way to enforce your policy is to use a system that does it for you. The User & Role Management module in the Business Portal allows you to set many of these requirements for your team members, ensuring your business data stays secure.
